Detachable food storage system

ABSTRACT

A storage device, comprising, a first bowl comprising, a side wall having an exterior surface a predetermined height and curvature, a base connected to the side wall, and a first protrusion connected to the side wall distal to the base and extending outward from the exterior surface of the side wall, and a second bowl comprising, a side wall having an exterior surface a predetermined height and curvature and an opening, a base having a top surface connected to the side wall, and a second protrusion extending upwards from the top surface of the base a predetermined distance from the connection of the base and the side wall, wherein the first bowl is sized so that the protrusion is able to fit underneath the second protrusion engaging the first bowl with the second bowl, a spout inserted into the opening in the side wall of the second bowl.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to insulated serving bowl, and, more particularly, relates to an insulated serving bowl that allows for easy transportation and emptying of the insulated serving bowl.

It is often desirable to cool foods prior to consumption or to keep the foods cool while serving them. Commonly, foods are cooled or chilled by refrigerating the container holding the foods. Although electric refrigerators are found in the kitchens of most homes, when entertaining it may be more convenient to have a means of chilling the foods at the location of the guests. Often this location is a recreation room or another room away from the kitchen.

Portable coolers may be filled with ice cubes to chill foods. However, it may be difficult to properly distribute and access the foods when they are to be served. If the foods are left out without being chilled they become inedible because the foods get to warm and bacteria begins to grow. This is important both for the safety of the people consuming the foods but also so that foods are not wasted.

Current serving bowls may have the ability to insulate the food in ice or a cold substance. But once the ice melts it is difficult to remove the water that has filled the bowl, the melted ice may contaminate the food, or if the substance is incorporated into the bowl the entire bowl and its contents have to be put in a refrigerator to rechill the bowl.

Thus, it is desired to have a serving bowl that is insulated with an easy way to remove the melted ice from the bowl, as well as an insulated bowl that may be easily transported.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a food storage device comprising a first bowl comprising, a side wall having an exterior surface a predetermined height and curvature, a base connected to the side wall, and a first protrusion connected to the side wall distal to the base and extending outward from the exterior surface of the side wall, and a second bowl comprising, a side wall having an exterior surface a predetermined height and curvature and an opening, a base having a top surface connected to the side wall, and a second protrusion extending upwards from the top surface of the base a predetermined distance from the connection of the base and the side wall, wherein the first bowl is sized so that the protrusion is able to securely fit underneath the second protrusion to engage the first bowl with the second bowl; and a spout inserted into the opening in the side wall of the second bowl forming a substantially watertight seal.

The present invention provides another embodiments of a food storage device, comprising an interior bowl defining a first cavity and having a first portion of a locking mechanism disposed on the exterior surface opposite the opening of the first cavity, an exterior bowl defining a second cavity comprising, a second portion of a locking mechanism disposed within the second cavity, wherein the exterior bowl is detachably engaged to the interior bowl through the mating of the first and second portions of the locking mechanism and once the interior bowl and the exterior bowl are detachably engaged a substantially liquid tight seal is formed creating a sealed compartment, and an opening disposed distal to the second portion of the locking mechanism but outside the sealed compartment, and a valve inserted into the opening wherein a liquid tight seal is formed between the valve and the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view the bowl assembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a section view along Line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of the bowl assembled, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a close up view of section 3 from FIG. 2 of the connection point between the two bowls, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the bowls, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the exterior bowl, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the bowls, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the exterior bowl, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The products of the present invention provide a bowl system. The present system makes use of a detachable interior container that is used to hold food or contents while the exterior container is used to hold the insulation material (typically ice) and has a spout to allow for easy removal of the liquids that are from either the insulation material melting or condensation. The interior container is detachably affixed to the exterior container so that the entire bowl may be picked up and moved with ease.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view the insulated bowl assembly 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The insulated bowl assembly 100 (hereinafter “bowl assembly”) is comprised of an interior bowl 200, and exterior bowl 300, and a spout 400. Unless otherwise stated herein, each of the components of bowl 100 preferably comprised of a durable material such as stainless steel, ceramic, polymers, or the like or a combination of said materials and may include thermal energy storage materials to further increase the insulation feature of the invention. Briefly stated, the interior bowl 200 is detachably engaged to the exterior bowl 300.

The interior container 200 is designed to receive hold food or items which the user wants to keep cool, but not submerged within a liquid. In the depicted embodiment, the interior container 200 is generally a circular shape much like a bowl. In the depicted embodiment, the interior container 200 has a convex shape. The interior container 200 may have concave curve, may have a rectangular or square shape. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the interior container 200 may be various shapes provided the interior container 200 incorporates the locking mechanism (shown in FIG. 2 below). The interior container 200 is sized to fit within the exterior container 300 with adequate space between the two containers to allow for the insertion of the insulation material(s) in the opening that is created between the two bowls. In additional embodiments, the interior bowl 200 and the exterior bowl 300 may have varying distances between the two dependent upon the size of the bowls and the intended use. In the depicted embodiment, ice is used to fill the void between the two bowls. In some embodiments, the interior container 200 is a unitary design. In additional embodiments, the interior container 200 is comprised of several elements attached together. In one embodiment, a side wall and a base are attached together to form the interior container 200.

The exterior container 300 is designed to receive the interior container 200 and detachably engage with the interior container 200 via a locking mechanism. In the depicted embodiment, the exterior container 300 is generally a circular shape. In the depicted embodiment, the exterior container 300 has a concave shape. In additional embodiments, the exterior container 300 may have a convex shape or a rectangular shape. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the exterior container 300 may be various shapes. The exterior container 300 is sized to fit the interior container 200 with adequate space between the two containers to allow for the insertion of the insulation material(s). Distal to the bottom surface of the exterior bowl 300 is an opening which allows for the insertion of the spout 400. In some embodiments, the exterior container 300 is a unitary design. In additional embodiments, the exterior container 300 is comprised of several elements attached together. In one embodiment, a side wall and a base are attached together to form the exterior container 300.

The spout 400 is designed to allow easy and quick release of any liquids that are pooling or gathering at the bottom of the exterior bowl 300 and are no longer providing insulation to the contents of the interior bowl 200. In some embodiments, the spout 400 is a ball value, has a handle for easy opening and closing or may have a pressure release valve. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the spout 400 may be various types of valves. In some embodiments, the spout 400 may have a valve or locking mechanism to allow the user freedom to remove the waste at their leisure. In some embodiments, the spout 400 is just an opening. In the depicted embodiment, the spout 400 is locked as close as possible to the bottom of the exterior bowl 300 to allow for the easiest removal of the waste.

FIG. 2 depicts a section view along Line 2-2 of FIG. 1 of the bowl assembly 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the top surface 203 of the interior bowl 200 is substantially parallel and equal with the top surface 303 of the exterior bowl 300. In additional embodiments, the top surface 203 and the top surface 303 may be angled or un even depending on the desired shapes and sizes of the bowls. The interior bowl 200 has a substantially flat base and a concave designed to maximize the amount of space in the bowl, while also permitting the most exposure to the insulating materials. The exterior bowl 300 has a substantially flat interior base surface to allow for the interior bowl 200 to sit flush against the base of the exterior bowl 300 so that the locking mechanism may successfully engage.

FIG. 3 depicts a close-up view of section 3 from FIG. 2 of the connection point between the two bowls, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the depicted image the protrusion 202 is shown as a feature of the interior bowl 200 that is protruding from the exterior surface 201 of the interior bowl 200. The protrusion 202 may be integrated into the interior bowl 200 as a unitary design. In some embodiment, the protrusion 202 is an additional element incorporated into the interior bowl 200 by an adhesive or welding the two together. The protrusion 202 is sized to securing fit underneath the lip 302 of the interior surface 301 of the exterior bowl 300. The lip 302 is integrated into the interior surface 301 of the exterior bowl 300 creating a unitary design. the lip 302 is an additional element incorporated into the exterior bowl 300 by an adhesive or welding the two together. The lip 302 is sized to securely cover the protrusion 202 and keep the bowls attached so that both bowls may be picked up and moved without the interior bowl 200 becoming disengaged from the exterior bowl 300. The protrusion 202 and the lip 302 may be various sizes and shapes provided they maintain the proper tension between the two elements. In some embodiments, the lip 302 is has a curved end and is flexible to bend when the interior bowl 200 is pressed into place. In other embodiments, the lip 302 is rigid and requires the interior bowl 200 to be “locked” into place. In some embodiments, the seal between the lip 302 and the protrusion 202 is substantially water tight to reduce the possibility of water escaping from the area which is accessible to the spout 400 and reduce the opportunity for water to get underneath the interior bowl 200.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the bowl assembly 100, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In the shown embodiment, the interior bowl 200 has a protrusion 202 that does not extend continuously around the base of the bowl, but is positioned in predetermined locations and with predetermined length. This is for embodiments, where the lip 302 is rigid and the interior bowl 200 needs to be placed strategically inside the exterior bowl 300 and then twisted to lock the two bowls together. In most embodiments, there are more than two protrusions 203 which are positioned opposite one another.

FIG. 5 depicts a top view of the exterior bowl 300, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the lip 302 is not continuous and has gaps of predetermined size so as to receive the interior bowl 200 with the protrusions 203 that are sized smaller than the gaps in the lip 302 so that the two bowls may be locked together. In the shown embodiment, there are two gaps sized to receive the protrusions 203.

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the bowls, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the shown embodiment, the interior bowl 200 has a protrusion 202 that does extend continuously around the base of the interior bowl 200. This is for embodiments, where the lip 302 is semi rigid and the interior bowl 200 simply is pressed down over the lip 302 and the lip 302 snaps up and over the protrusion 202

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the exterior bowl 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the lip 304 is continuous and is made out a material or thickness that allows the lip 304 to flex so that when the interior bowl 200 is pressed substantially directly downwards, the lip 304 extends over the protrusion 203 and locks the interior bowl 200 to the exterior bowl 300.

Some examples of the plastics used to make the bowls and the features of the bowls may be, but not limited to high density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, or the like.

In some embodiments, the lip 302 (or 304) and the protrusion 203 may have a coat that provides minor adhesive properties to further increase the bond between the interior bowl 200 and the exterior bowl 300.

The invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

The invention is inclusive of combinations of the aspects or embodiments described herein. References to “a particular aspect” or “embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at least one aspect of the invention. Separate references to “an aspect” or “particular aspects” or “embodiments” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same aspect or aspects; however, such aspects are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or plural in referring to “method” or “methods” and the like is not limiting. The word “or” is used in this disclosure in a non-exclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly noted.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred aspects thereof, but it will be understood that variations, combinations, and modifications may be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the invention. Examples of variations, combinations, and modifications that are intended to be within the scope of the claims are those having structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims and those including equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

While various shapes, configurations, uses, and features have been described above and are shown in the drawings for the various embodiments of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any combination of the above features may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is recognized by those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and/or shown in the attached drawings.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A food storage device, comprising: a first bowl comprising, a side wall having an exterior surface a predetermined height and curvature, a base connected to the side wall, and a first protrusion connected to the side wall distal to the base and extending outward from the exterior surface of the side wall, and a second bowl comprising, a side wall having an exterior surface a predetermined height and curvature and an opening, a base having a top surface connected to the side wall, and a second protrusion extending upwards from the top surface of the base a predetermined distance from the connection of the base and the side wall, wherein the first bowl is sized so that the protrusion is able to securely fit underneath the second protrusion to engage the first bowl with the second bowl; and a spout inserted into the opening in the side wall of the second bowl forming a substantially watertight seal.
 2. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the first bowl has a convex curvature.
 3. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the first bowl has a unitary design.
 4. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the second bowl has a concave curvature.
 5. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the second bowl has a unitary design.
 6. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the opening is positioned distal to the connection between the side wall and the base.
 7. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the second protrusion extends continuously along the base of the second bowl and the second protrusion is semi flexible.
 8. The food storage device of claim 7, wherein the first protrusion extends continuously along the exterior surface of the side wall of the first bowl.
 9. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the second protrusion is a plurality of segments with predetermined length and the plurality of segments are substantially rigid.
 10. 9. The food storage device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of segments is substantially equally spaced from one another
 11. The food storage device of claim 9, wherein the first protrusion is a plurality of extensions equal to or less than the number of segments.
 12. The food storage device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of extensions is positioned to coincide with the positioning of the plurality of segments.
 13. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the spout has an adjustable valve.
 14. The food storage device of claim 13, wherein the spout has a handle attached to the adjustable valve.
 15. The food storage device of claim 1, wherein the opening is distal to the connection between the side wall and the base.
 16. A food storage device, comprising: an interior bowl defining a first cavity and having a first portion of a locking mechanism disposed on the exterior surface opposite the opening of the first cavity; an exterior bowl defining a second cavity comprising; a second portion of a locking mechanism disposed within the second cavity, wherein the exterior bowl is detachably engaged to the interior bowl through the mating of the first and second portions of the locking mechanism and once the interior bowl and the exterior bowl are detachably engaged a substantially liquid tight seal is formed creating a sealed compartment, and an opening disposed distal to the second portion of the locking mechanism but outside the sealed compartment, and a valve inserted into the opening wherein a liquid tight seal is formed between the valve and the opening. 